ETHN - Ethnic Studies

Explores the basic concepts and views of Ethnic Studies, introducing students to the concept of interdisciplinarity and some of the key issues addressed within each of the ETHN minors.

This one-credit service learning course allows students who are on the executive board of one of the Center for Multicultural Affairs student groups to further their knowledge about the relationship between the student group and the academic pursuits of ETHN minors and WGST majors and minors.

This course introduces students to foundational concepts in the study and practice of social justice in American society, historically and at present, and in comparative global perspective. The course can include social justice topics as related to: racism; classism; religious oppression; sexism; heterosexism; transgender oppression; ableism; ageism; and environmentalism. The course will also engage students in the process of putting thought into practice by introducing various research methodologies such as quantitative, qualitative, and cultural studies approaches. Students will explore the course concepts, coupled with research methodologies, to identify and analyze social problems and to use information to formulate and engage in problem-solving strategies for social change.

Explains the origins and evolution of Native American Studies as a program, placing it within the historical, political, social and cultural context in which it developed. Students will learn why a multidisciplinary approach can be beneficial to the understanding of Native American experiences in North America. This course explores the different sets of knowledge produced by and about Native Americans and the complicated relationship between Native Americans and the United States government. By interrogating representations of American Indian identity, this course will engage students in discussions about the complexity of race, self-representation, and cultural politics.

Study of the intellectual and social origins of the discipline known as African American Studies. Key concepts, themes, and theories of the discipline will be discussed in the class.

An interdisciplinary approach to historicizing the Latinx experience in U.S. history. The course examines the political and cultural dynamics of Puerto Ricans, Mexicans, Cubans, and Dominicans within an historical context sensitive to changes and continuities in American history.

An examination of major works by African American novelists, poets, dramatists, filmmakers, musicians, and essayists in terms of the intellectual and political concerns of their periods and locations. Cross-listed with ENGL 240.

Study of works by and about Latinos, including poetry, novels, film, drama, music, and essays. Focus on culture of people of Hispanic descent living in the United States, including Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Dominican Americans, and Cuban Americans, with some consideration of the ongoing relations between U.S. Latinos and Latin America. (Cross-listed as ENGL 241.)

Study of a variety of works, including traditional tales, novels, poems and memoirs, produced by American Indians from historical beginnings to the present. (Cross-listed with ENGL 242.)

An introductory survey of the history of early Latin America, from antiquity to the European conquest to the wars for independence in the early 19th century. Special attention is given to indigenous and African influences in the shaping of society and culture. (Cross-listed with HIST 282.)

An introductory survey of the history of modern Latin America, from the wars for independence in the early 19th century to nation-state building, reform movements, violent revolutions, and democratization in the 20th century. Special attention is given to Native American influences in the shaping of modern society. The contested role of the United States in Latin American domestic policy also is considered. (Cross-listed with HIST 283.)

An examination of contemporary Latina literary productions in the context of representations of Latinas in mainstream U.S. society. The focus of the course is on women of Hispanic descent living and writing in the United States, including work by and about Chicanas, Puerto Ricans, Dominican Americans, and Cuban Americans. Previous course work in Latina/Latino literature not required, but some previous course work related to African American or other ethnic literature, women's literature/feminism, and/or film studies is strongly recommended.

Survey of the historical forces, within the African American community and elsewhere, which have shaped the African American experience. The course explores the cultural, social, and political development of African Americans from their African origins through Reconstruction.

Survey of the historical forces, within the African American community and elsewhere, which have shaped the African American experience. The course explores the cultural, social, and political development of African Americans from Reconstruction to the present.

A survey of the history of North America from the perspective of Native Americans, covering topics from the period before contact through the present. Possible topics may include precontact history and societies, the challenges of contact and colonization, Indian Removal, and continuing questions of sovereignty and treaty rights.

Introduces the major topics and themes in the ethnohistory of early America from the earliest contacts between Native Americans and Europeans to the early 18th century through a comparative study of British, French, and Spanish interactions with indigenous peoples.

Native American peoples in the 20th century. Emphasis on federal policy development, the growth of political pan-Native American movements, the Native American image in popular culture, and current issues raised in the writings of contemporary authors representing a diversity of Native American nations.

Interdisciplinary approach to race and ethnicity in the United States and other contemporary multiethnic/multiracial societies. Because these courses are equivalents, students who have earned credit for HIST/INDS/WOST 220 are not able to earn credit for this course.

Creating an ETHN specific course different from the INDS version.

Intensive individual study of some aspect of multicultural studies involving a paper or project.

Open only to African American Studies minors. Includes selected interdisciplinary reading, research, discussions and reports on current issues in African American Studies. Proposed independent study project must be described in the student's approved African American Studies proposal.

The capstone experience for the Latinx Studies minor. Selected interdisciplinary reading, research, discussions, and reports on current issues in Latinx Studies.

The capstone experience for the Native American Studies minor. Selected interdisciplinary reading, research, discussions, and reports on current issues in Native American Studies.

The capstone experience for the Multi-Ethnic Studies minor. Selected interdisciplinary reading, research, discussions, and reports on current issues related to Multi-Ethnic Studies.

Special Topics in Ethnic Studies that are not covered in other courses. Topics will vary by semester and instructor.

Open only to African American Studies, American Indian Studies, Latino Studies, or Multiethnic Studies minors. An internship can serve as the student’s capstone experience. Students proposing internships must have an approved Interdisciplinary Studies proposal which includes the internship. Additionally, they must have completed the application required by the campus Office of Internships.

Capstone seminar in which students will investigate current and contemporary issues in the field of Ethnic and Gender Studies, engage in activism on campus, and complete a research-based paper or project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. Students will also compile an e-portfolio that reflects upon their experiences as Ethnic and Gender Studies students and for use in future professional development.